11 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Maine

Undoubtedly, New England is a unique place with even more unique people and cultures. This Northeast state is well known for its delicious fresh seafood that you can find in more restaurants, but it also has many native dishes and quirky items that stand out compared to other regions of the country. Check out these 11 food dishes that are absolute symbols of Maine and learn why they are so well-loved.

1. Lobster Roll

Maine’s lobster is highly coveted as it is sweet and tender, perfect for rolls or just dipped in butter. They are also less salty due to the cold waters of the Northeast. Maine lobster rolls are served with chilled lobster meat in mayo and featuring chives, celery, or scallions sprinkled on top.

2. Whoopie Pies

Since 2011, the whoopie pie has been Maine’s official state treat. If you’re unfamiliar with this classic dessert, it consists of two cake-like rounds surrounding a white creamy filling. Residents of this state have been making whoopie pies since 1925 when farmer wives would make small portable treats for their hard-working husbands. 

3. Bean-Hole Beans

Bean hole supper is a Maine specialty that gained popularity among early New Englanders. It consists of beans, molasses, and salt pork placed in cast iron pots and buried in the ground in a stone-lined pit on a bed of coals. Originally, Native Americans baked beans with bear grease and maple syrup in clay pots in the ground.

4. Brown Bread

One of the most popular forms of brown bread in New England is made by B&M in Portland, Maine. Brown bread is actually bread in a can, which might sound strange, but it’s very popular among Maine residents. Relying on wheat flour, rye flour, and cornmeal, brown bread from Maine is sweet and cake-like, different from your typical table bread.

5. Fried Clams

As a New England favorite, fried clams are a prevalent dish in Maine. Seafood is plentiful in the Northeast, so many of the state’s most treasured recipes are centered around food from the sea. Fried clams are just that, clams that are deep-fried to a golden brown. They are typically served with other fried fish and french fries. 

6. Fluffernutter Sandwiches

Do you love the perfect blend of sweet and salty? If so, you would probably appreciate the uniqueness of the Fluffernutter. These sandwiches combine creamy, salty peanut butter with sweet Marshmallow Fluff on two pieces of white bread. While it originated in Massachusetts, Maine residents still adore this sweet treat. 

7. Salted Fish

Salted fish consists of any white fish, such as cod or pollock, slightly salted to preserve it and dried. Salt cod dinner is a favorite among old-school Maine residents and is served with potatoes and beets. While it’s great as a dinner, you can also use salted fish as a snack, chased down with whiskey.  

8. Clam Chowder

While Mainers eat lots of clam chowder, they don’t eat just any clam chowder. To make New England clam chowder, you must use clam stock, salt pork or bacon, clams, onion, potatoes, butter, and cream. Don’t forget to top with oyster crackers to soak up the broth!

9. Red Snapper Hotdog

Popular at barbecues and campsites across the state, red snapper hotdogs consist of beef and pork franks with a natural casing. It gets the name “red snapper” from the red food coloring that gives it its signature look and the snapping sound it makes when you bite into it. Despite it containing food dye and processed meat, it is a favorite among Maine residents.

10. Fiddleheads

This odd-looking vegetable is actually the furled fronds of a young fern that’s harvested as a vegetable. Because fiddleheads have a natural toxin that can cause illness in humans, you must properly cook them before consuming them. Traditionally, Mainers boil fiddleheads with salt pork and top with a little butter and vinegar.

11. Blueberry Pie

In Maine, you can harvest wild blueberries from late July to early September, so blueberry pie is a popular homemade dessert during the summertime. In fact, blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries is the official state dessert. These berries are native and abundant in Maine and give a mildly sweet and slightly acidic flavor.

A Recap of the 11 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Maine